Geoffrey Rees-Jones Explained

Geoffrey Rees-Jones
Full Name:Geoffrey Rippon Rees-Jones
Birth Date:8 July 1914
Birth Place:Ipswich, Suffolk, England
Death Place:Strang, Isle of Man
Occupation:Schoolmaster
School:Ipswich School
University:University College, Oxford
Position:Wing
Repyears1:1934–36
Repcaps1:5
Reppoints1:6

Geoffrey Rippon Rees-Jones (8 July 1914 — 13 September 2004) was a Welsh international rugby union player.[1]

Rees-Jones was born to Welsh parents in Ipswich. He was educated at Ipswich School and set a long-standing school record for the 440 yards. A three-time blue, Rees-Jones read mathematics and physics at University College, Oxford.[2]

Between 1934 and 1936, Rees-Jones gained five Wales caps as a wing three-quarter and is most noted for his contribution to a win over the All Blacks at Cardiff in 1935. After trailing at half-time, Rees-Jones set up a try to Claude Davey with a cross-kick, then scored two tries himself, the last with two minutes remaining to secure a 13–12 victory.[3]

Rees-Jones, brigade major, got mentioned in dispatches serving with the Commandos during World War II and was part of a force which captured Diego-Suarez from the Vichy French on Madagascar.[2]

A teacher by profession, Rees-Jones was headmaster of Bembridge School from 1954 to 1958, after which he served as principal of King William's College on the Isle of Man until 1979, when he retired.[3]

See also

Notes and References

  1. News: Rugby great who became a fearless, inventive fighter . . 16 October 2004 . en.
  2. News: Geoffrey Rees Jones . . 14 October 2004 . en.
  3. News: Evans . Howard . Geoffrey Rees-Jones . . 20 September 2004.